'I'll vote if they deliver on campaign promises'

The legislative election is only few weeks away, but many are still unaware about the function of and the candidates for the new Regional Representatives Council (DPD). Although the "senator" candidates' posters, banners and vehicles have been splashed around the city, the residents with whom The Jakarta Post spoke to said they were still in the dark.

Azharry, 36, is a taxi driver who lives in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta:

I've seen many posters and campaign cars for these DPD candidates. But, to tell you the truth, I have no idea what the DPD is.

I haven't registered to vote in the general elections, so what's the point?

I might vote in the next elections if these candidates -- both the DPD and party candidates -- deliver on their campaign promises.

Andi, 35, (not his real name), a vice president of a financial company in the Sudirman Central Business District. He lives in Jatinegara, East Jakarta:

I think many people are still confused with the mechanism of the elections, including the DPD candidates. The problem lies with poor public information. The government should use all possible media to reach out to the people given that these direct elections are the first of their kind in the country.

In my neighborhood, I see many posters and flags for the DPD candidates along with those of other legislative candidates from political parties. I don't know most of them, or their backgrounds and capabilities.

I think the elections will be fruitful if we have a list of people whom we can familiarize ourselves with. For instance, as a businessperson, if (economist) Kwik Kian Gie were on the DPD list, I would vote for him because I know his commitment and capability.

Anyway, I will exercise my right to vote, although I'm not yet sure about their capabilities.

-- The Jakarta Post